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Now Accepting Session Proposals for the 2025 VLA/VLA CRL Annual Conference

VLA 2025 Conference Text Only LogoThe Virginia Library Association's 2025 Annual Conference will be held from Wednesday, October 1 - Friday, October 3 in Richmond, Virginia at the Richmond Marriott.

We are now accepting session proposals through three submission forms; a general VLA session form, VLA's Chapter of the Association of College & Research Libraries (VLA CRL) form, and the Virginia Association of Law Libraries (VALL) form. General VLA sessions are selected by the 2025 VLA Conference Committee. The VLA CRL hosts a "conference-within-a-conference"; their session proposals will be peer reviewed by their chapter. Please note that all VALL sessions will run on Thursday, October 2 only.

This year, we celebrate the transformative role of libraries in education, technology, advocacy, and access, with the conference theme of “With Libraries, All Rise.”  We welcome engaging, innovative, and thought-provoking proposals that highlight how libraries uplift and support patrons, staff, and their broader communities. Proposal topics may include expanding equitable access to resources, libraries as community advocates and change makers, and emerging technologies or innovative programs that foster a sense of belonging. Whether you are a first-time presenter or a seasoned expert, proposals are welcome from all library professionals, partners, and subject matter experts. The deadline to submit a proposal is Sunday, April 2, 2025.

Submit a Session Proposal” width=
Submit CRL Proposal Button  Submit VALL Proposal

Know Your Session Type Before You Submit

  • Presentation – A 30-minute presentation on a particular issue, program or service followed by a 15-minute casual discussion and/or Q & A session with audience. Usually features 1-3 speakers.
  • Panel Discussion – A moderated session featuring multiple speakers focused on a particular issue, program, or service. Panel discussions allow panelists to share thoughts, opinions, and experiences about a particular issue, program, or service followed by discussion driven by audience participation. May feature 3-5 speakers including a moderator.
  • Poster Session – Create a poster to showcase your program or research. This combined event on Wednesday evening will incorporate public, academic, special libraries and library partnerships and coalitions. The maximum size of a poster is 4 feet by 4 feet.

FAQs

How are proposals selected?
The 2025 Conference Committee reviews and selects the conference proposals. VLA CRL proposals will be peer reviewed by the chapter. Please see the VLA CRL submission form for their guidelines.

Are speakers required to register for the conference?
Yes, all speakers must register. Up to two presenters per session receive $75 off the conference registration fee.

When will I know if my proposal is accepted?
All submissions will be reviewed and applicants will be notified of decisions by May 2025. 

Can I select the date and time I present?
Please rank your preferred times in the proposal form. Requested session times and dates will be honored wherever possible.

What is provided for presenters?
Please bring your own technology, such as a laptop, adapters, and charger. We will provide AV equipment, such as microphones. Presenters are required to use microphones - we appreciate that many presenters feel comfortable speaking loudly, but this is not accommodating to our members with hearing differences. Wi-Fi is available throughout the conference center. However, if you are using visual aids, we recommended downloading something like your slide deck beforehand.

I am an author/vendor who would like to speak at the conference. Do I submit a proposal?
We recommend submitting a proposal outlining what you would like to cover in your presentation.

I'm having technical difficulties submitting a proposal - who do I contact?
Please email the VLA administrator at [email protected]